The Social Democratic Party (SPD) in Germany is advocating for renewed incentives to bolster the electric vehicle (EV) market. Their proposal includes a purchase premium for electric cars, quotas for leasing companies, and tax benefits for fleet vehicles. The aim is to achieve the government's target of 15 million fully electric cars on the road by 2030. To encourage this shift, buyers could receive an environmental bonus of 4,500 euros for vehicles priced up to 40,000 euros.
The move comes as the electric car sector faces challenges following the abrupt cessation of previous subsidies, which led to a significant drop in sales. Experts predict a potential decline of up to 200,000 vehicles without renewed support. The SPD's proposal aims to counteract this trend and address the discontent within the coalition over the missing 60 billion euros from the climate fund.
Despite the ambitious plans, the transition to e-mobility is not without hurdles. A significant number of electric vehicle owners are reverting to combustion engines. Reports indicate that nearly a third of EV owners switched back in 2023, citing reduced environmental bonuses and inadequate charging infrastructure. This trend highlights a fundamental acceptance issue among drivers, which could be exacerbated by upcoming EU tariffs.
Industry studies reveal that while a portion of the population, especially younger demographics, is open to purchasing electric vehicles, almost half still view them unfavorably. The SPD's measures, if implemented, could play a crucial role in reshaping the market dynamic and fostering greater acceptance of electric vehicles across Germany.
